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| REINFORCEMENTS: Ronny Harun (left) have officially signed for Sarawak while former captain and fans’ favourite Joseph Kalang Tie (right) has also returned. They will play for Sarawak next season. Also seen are Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) president Datu Sudarsono Osman (second right) and FAS secretary-general Abdullah Julaihi. |
FAS too officially unveiled another player who will be joining the Crocs next season, Ronny Harun. The Sabah-born player was previously with the Crocs on a three-month loan stint, playing for Sarawak in the 2012 Malaysia Cup.
Joseph was officially unveiled by the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) to the media at a press conference yesterday. His return to play for Sarawak was much anticipated by the fans. He was officially released by his former team, Terengganu, a few weeks ago. His stint with the Turtles lasted for three years. “I could have signed for other teams, but Sarawak is always my first choice.
I am happy to be back and it is always good to play for your own state,” revealed Joseph. Commenting on why he left Sarawak for Terengganu in the first place, Joseph said that it was a good move by him as he had gained precious experience and exposure while plying his trade with the Turtles. For him, a player needs to constantly improve and he did just that by playing with the Turtles.
“I did it for Sarawak too as I want my career to rise during that time. Nevertheless I’m back now and I will do my best to repay the faith and effort that the FAS have put to bring me back here,” he said. On his personal target for next season, he revealed that his priority is to help Sarawak win promotion to the Super League and find his way into the national team.
He added that it is every player’s desire to play for his country. Meanwhile in another development, FAS president Datu Sudarsono Osman have announced that Sarawak will only retain three of their local import players for 2013. The trio are midfielder Azizan Baba, goalkeeper Sani Anuar Kamsani and defender Rames Lai Ban Huat. Sudarsono have also revealed that the whole backroom staff will be retained for next season.
This includes the surprised inclusion of current head coach Robert Alberts, despite the Dutchman failing to meet any of the targets set by FAS this season. “We want to focus solely on strengthening the team, not rebuild it. I know this team will only get better and I think it will be sad if we lose this team as a whole,” Sudarsono commented.
Commenting and summarising the Crocs’ 2012 campaign, Sudarsono apologised to the fans for the relegation from the Malaysia Super League (MSL). He admitted that the Crocs have only themselves to blame. Sudarsono thanked all the passionate fans and supporters of the Crocs for their tremendous support to Sarawak football team.
